Islamabad: Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has expressed unequivocal opposition to the recent passage of the Universities and Institutes Laws (Amendment) Act 2025 by the Punjab Assembly.
This legislation, it said in a statement, mandates the inclusion of three sitting MPAs nominated by the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, into the Syndicates of both public and private-sector universities marking “a troubling shift towards political intervention” in the academic sphere.
FAPUASA sees this development as a serious infringement on the constitutionally enshrined principles of university autonomy and academic freedom.
The university Syndicate, as the highest governing authority, is expected to comprise individuals with academic stature, administrative acumen and an informed perspective on the complexities of higher education.
The insertion of political appointees lacking relevant academic background compromises the integrity of these bodies and risks turning institutional governance into a politicised process.
This amendment appears to be a “regressive attempt to exert undue political influence over academic institutions. It threatens to institutionalise political representation in decision-making spaces that should remain grounded in merit, expertise and academic values,” the statement continued.
Standardising the inclusion of politically nominated members within university Syndicates undermines the very foundation of quality higher education.
It sidelines the academic community in shaping institutional priorities and diminishes public trust in the governance of universities. If allowed to stand, “this move could inflict lasting harm to the credibility, independence and performance of higher education institutions” in Punjab, FAPUASA said.
Prof Mazhar Iqbal, President, FAPUASA, suggested that if such nominations are deemed necessary, they must be based on merit and academic qualifications and the nominees should be individuals genuinely interested in promoting the health and progress of universities.
He emphasised that such appointments should come from neutral and constitutional offices such as the President of Pakistan or the Governor, rather than through political channels or speakers.
Furthermore, he called for restoration of Assistant Professors and Lecturers seats in the Syndicate of Quaid-i-Azam University abolished by Dictator Gen. Zia under Martial Law regulation on March 17, 1985. The representation of all cadre in the Syndicate will ensure inclusive and balanced decision-making.
He also called for restoration of Senate in QAU, abolished by Gen Zia the same day which exists in all other public-sector Universities.
Talking to The News, the FAPUASA President called for universal suffrage for election of Syndicate member which was in vogue under 1973 QAU Act under which candidates filed nomination from their respective cadre from Lecturer to Professors but all faculty members used to cast their votes for all the four vacancies. This electoral process which was more democratic was also abolished by Dictator Zia.
Dr Mazhar emphasised that the policy should be uniformly implemented in all universities across Pakistan.
FAPUASA, representing university faculty nationwide, also urged the Governor of Punjab to withhold assent to the PA bill. It further called on the Punjab government to reconsider and withdraw the proposed amendments.